Arbitrary Angle of Arrival in Radar Target Simulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method for synthesizing virtual radar targets at arbitrary angles of arrival using superposition of signals from two RTS channels, enhancing the realism of automotive radar testing.

Contribution

It presents a new approach and theoretical model for arbitrary angle of arrival synthesis in radar target simulation, validated through practical measurements.

Findings

The superposition method effectively synthesizes targets at arbitrary angles.

The theoretical model accurately predicts the system's behavior.

Experimental results confirm the practical feasibility of the approach.

Abstract

Automotive radar sensors play a key role in the current development of autonomous driving. Their ability to detect objects even under adverse conditions makes them indispensable for environment-sensing tasks in autonomous vehicles. The thorough and in-place validation of radar sensors demands for an integrative test system. Radar Target Simulators (RTS) are capable of performing over-the-air validation tests by creating artificial radar echos that are perceived as targets by the radar under test (RuT). Since the authenticity and credibility of these targets is based on the accuracy with which they are generated, their simulated position must be arbitrarily adjustable. In this paper, a new approach to synthesize virtual radar targets at an arbitrary angle of arrival is presented. The concept is based on the superposition of the returning signals of two adjacent RTS channels. A theoretical model describing the basic principle and its constraints is developed. A measurement campaign is conducted that verifies the practical functionality of the proposed scheme.